- About
- Mission & Vision
- History
- Introduction
- Humble Beginnings
- 1929-1947
- Orpheus Takes Shape - 1930 to 1938
- Youthful Enthusiasm - 1938 to 1941
- Three Step in 1941-1947
- The Hess Years - 1947 to 1979
- Orpheus Club Adopts the Phoenix Boys Choir
- Orpheus Becomes International
- Orpheus Turns Fifty - Ralph Hess Retires
- 1980 to 1991
- New Directions - 1992 to 2004
- The Future
- Historical Orpheus Directors and Accompanists
- Discography
- Rehearsals and Auditions
- Director
- Accompanist
- Events
- Merchandise
- Donations
- Contact Us
- Members
80 Years of Artistic Excellence"Language is not subtle enough, tender enough, INTRODUCTIONThe 80-year history of the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix (OMC) contains over a thousand performances in a variety of venues both in this country and abroad and over 3500 rehearsals in preparation for those performances. The group has performed in Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, 10 European countries as well as many cities in the United States including Hawaii. In 1964, the group was given the designation "Arizona Cowboy Ambassadors" by then governor Paul Fannin. During its history, the group has received countless other acknowledgements and awards, and the roster of members has numbered well over a thousand since the groups humble beginnings at the close of 1929. But the story of OMC goes beyond these facts to the hearts, souls, and voices of the members and directors who have been part of Orpheus over the years. The story of Orpheus lies in the deep felt passion for music and art found in the hearts of these men as well as in the enthusiastic response they have received from their audiences for three quarters of a century. This, indeed, is the true story of the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix. During its history, performance venues have spanned the range from Supermarket openings to the great Concert Hall of Vienna, Austria. In its beginning years, the group performed at the local mortuary when it was featured, via remote broadcast, on KTAR radio. Membership has varied as well, from as few as 21 members during World War II, when many of the men, including the young director, served proudly in the military, to as many as 100 members, with a list of alternates who waited patiently hoping for the opportunity to be part of the performing group. Men from all walks of life have been part of the chorus history. Included among many occupations are teachers, students, business men, ministers, attorneys, doctors, salesmen, law enforcement officers, and construction works to name a few. The group has, throughout its history, relied on the enthusiasm and support of its audiences. Benefactors have included governors, mayors, and councilmen as well as numerous businesses and countless generous individuals. Senator Barry Goldwater was a regular contributor to and public supporter of the group. Directors have waved the baton in front of the group for as little as a year and as long as 33 years. They have been as old as 76 and as young as 24 while leading the group. Practice locations have varied, and the styles of music and dress have also varied over the years. But in the midst of all these variables, there have been several important constants. The group has always rehearsed on Tuesday nights, there have always been enthusiastic audiences, and the members have always shared a love of music. More often than not, the group performed several concerts a year. In the ’63-’64 season the group gave 37 performances here and abroad. Most importantly, the group has continuously performed at least 2 concerts each season (except for the fall concerts of 1943 and 1944) for the past 75 years making it the longest continuously performing arts group in the state of Arizona. Congratulations to the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix and to its loyal, enthusiastic audiences for 75 years of joyful song! HUMBLE BEGINNINGSThe very first Orpheus Chorus debuted in the Spring of 1900. The April 4, 1900 edition of the Arizona Republican announced the formation of the Orpheus Club. It consisted of 25 members, both male and female, and was directed by A.N. Benham of Oakland, CA. who, it was reported, was "the most efficient musical director on the coast." The article noted that the "members are chosen solely with reference to voice and knowledge of music. Merely ornamental and social features have not been sought. No one was taken in on account of social standing. Thus, there is no waste timber in the club." Unfortunately, waste timber or not, the group vanished into history in a very short time. 1929-1947Nearly 30 years later, on Monday evening, Nov 4, 1929, the first meeting of what was first to be known as the "Orpheus Club" was held at the Y.M.C.A. The following morning, a small article appeared in the Arizona Republican announcing the formation of the group. "A Phoenix men’s chorus was organized last night at the Young Men’s Christian Association when a group of singers formulated plans and elected temporary officers which will be replaced by permanent officers at a meeting in December. L. Douglas Russell was selected permanent director of the new chorus. Twenty attended the meeting. Plans for a concert and occasional radio broadcasting were discussed. Tuesday was set as the date for the next meeting to be held at the Masonic Temple at 7:45 pm." Only two weeks after that first article appeared, another noted, "Thirty singers have been accepted as members of the Phoenix Men’s Chorus, following completion of the audition program. The audition was based on tone quality, the ability to carry a tune, and sight-reading. The club was recently formed to give men interested in singing an opportunity to meet and sing together. Installation of officers will be held at the first meeting in December. Other officers besides Director Russell include Ralph Sarager, assistant director, and Rovert Mund, temporary chairman of the executive committee." The group adopted a constitution and by-laws and elected its first official officers on December 17, 1929. Mrs. Al Moriarity was the group’s first accompanist. L. Douglas Russell, who directed the group through its first year, claimed quite a background. According to information found on the first printed program, his "early instruction was received at Drake University and the New England Conservatory, subsequent training under Goetchius, Elson, Lamson, Wright and Saenger. Mr. Douglas has also played a number of leading opera roles including roles in Lohengrin, Trovatore, Traviata, Tannhauser, Faust, Fra Diavolo, Martha, Maritana, Bohemian Girl and Robinhood." Russell also reported that he had been the director of the Mendelssohn Club of Spokane, WA; Apollo Club of Portland, OR; and the Apollo Club of Minneapolis, MI - all male-voice choirs, "the latter being the largest male-voice choir in America." After such a background of performance and directorship, it is unclear why Mr. Russell decided to come to Phoenix in the first place and why he decided to leave after one short year. However, during that first year, Russell directed the group through one formal concert, 3 additional performances, and participation in 4 musical programs in the Phoenix area, as well as regular radio performances including the opening program for the new radio station KTAR where the Orpheus Club made its public debut on Christmas morning of 1929. The group’s first season concert was performed for a "capacity audience of enthusiastic supporters" in early February of 1930 at the Phoenix Women’s Club building. The group performed on KTAR radio the week before as a preliminary to the concert. The first song of the first formal concert was Mac Dowell’s" Hymn of the Pilgrim." An article in the Arizona Republican on February 15, 1930 noted that the early purpose of the group was "giving Phoenix a society of singers to add to the cultural advantages of the community. The men in the organization sing because of their love of music. Their work may not as yet rival the production of older and longer-trained choruses, their leader says, but the club is sincere in its effort to gain a state of ability where its concerts will prove a matter of pride to the city and to its membership." ORPHEUS TAKES SHAPE - 1930 to 1938Ralph Marquis succeeded L. Douglas Russell as director in the fall of 1930. Orley Iles succeeded Mrs. Al Moriarity as accompanist. The new director was a disciplined, serious musician who adopted tuxedos as the group’s uniform and began charging admission for the performances. Marquis himself appeared in black tie and tails and worked very hard to produce music to fit his image. With Marquis, the group entered a period of sustained growth and high standards of musicianship. To build membership, he did not require auditions, knowledge of music theory, or the ability to sight-read music as a prerequisite for membership. The love of vocal music and the desire to sing were the only requirements for membership. By late 1931 the group’s membership had hit 88. At that point, Marquis included his own description of the group on the back cover of the concert program. "Eighty-eight Phoenix business and professional men constitute the present membership of the Orpheus Club - Arizona’s premiere male-voice chorus. The club is a non-profit educational institution. Its members dedicate one evening each week throughout the season to the study of the best male-voice music our literature affords. The club has no "guarantors" - accepts no donations. Its expenditures are limited to the cost of music and smaller incidentals. Neither member nor director receives compensation beyond the pleasure derived from the study and performance of the finest and most rarely heard forms of music - male-voice chorus. The large and well-merited patronage of its concerts has placed the club on sound financial footing. A nominal admission fee to its concerts is charged only to provide music and auditorium expense for coming recitals. The Director." By 1934, the group began singing regularly with the Phoenix Symphony, the Phoenix Woman’s Club, and the Phoenix Musicians Club. The group continued to appear on the radio and regularly performed concerts for Arizona State Hospital patients. During Marquis’ directorship, the group moved it’s practice venue from the Masonic Temple to room 509 of the Ellis Building, then to the Luhr’s Tower in 1936 and finally to Phoenix Union High School. During the 1936-1937 concert season the group performed at the University of Arizona in Tucson, as well as two performances at State Teacher’s College (now Arizona State University). During his tenure, Ralph Marquis established a solid reputation for musical entertainment. The chorus grew rapidly and the future direction of the organization was firmly set. To help finance the increasing activities of the chorus, associate memberships were sold at one dollar each. More than 900 memberships were sold per year, entitling the holder to attend all musical functions of the Club and a reserved seat at the two formal concerts each year. Marquis also helped to support the expenses of the group with his own personal funds. 1930-1938 were years that helped to shape the chorus and set the standards for performance in the future. The chorus became known throughout the state for its quality performances, its professional presentations, and the ability to perform a variety of music. During his seven years as director, Marquis gave 72 lectures on musical subjects in which he reflected his extensive knowledge of music. Marquis reflected on the growth of the chorus under his directorship in a letter he wrote to a chorus member in May of 1954. "In the Interim between 1931 and 1938, the club heard such assisting artists as Percy Grainger, Richard Crooks, Marie Zesch, Signor Persis and many others from the Chicago, New York and San Francisco Opera companies. Our concert programs indicated the strength of the club’s ability to hold both its active and associate membership. When I started the club there were 25 active members. I started with and a handful of subscribers. I built it up to one of the foremost musical organizations of the United States. Our program brochures were requested by the libraries of over 62 cities. Greet the club for me and give my kindest regards to the very few of the club’s present members who were members during the 7 years I directed the club. I have heard the club twice since 1939 in concert while visiting friends in Phoenix. I shall be in Phoenix several times this coming fall and winter. I hope to meet and hear the club again." YOUTHFUL ENTHUSIASM 1938-1941David Murdock joined the group as a baritone in January of 1937. He had grown up in Tempe and attended Phoenix Junior College before going on to the University of Arizona for his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degree. During his time at the U. of A. he was on the football team, was considered an expert tumbler, was state high-diving champion, and was considered accomplished at the piano, as well as wind and string instruments. By the end of 1937 Murdock became Assistant Musical Director under Ralph Marquis. In the spring of 1938, the Board of Directors of Phoenix Junior College requested that the Orpheus Club be officially associated with the College as part of their Adult Education program. At the same time, Ralph Marquis appointed David Murdock as director and retained the title of Artistic Director. David first directed the chorus at their Spring Concert on May 10, 1938. Murdock composed a special choral number for the occasion entitled "The Desert." He had just turned 24 years old on October 27th the previous year. Murdock was a personable young man with a warm and winning smile who injected an element of fun into the group. He composed several choral pieces, which the group performed. During his directorship of the Orpheus Club, Murdock was also director of the Glendale high school band and glee club, and taught music there as well. He also directed the Methodist choir of Glendale. In 1939, the group moved their rehearsal site to Phoenix Junior College, where they performed their first concert on Tuesday, December 11, 1939. It was also their tenth anniversary concert. The Arizona Republic announced the event the day before by proclaiming, "As one of the year’s outstanding musical treats, the Orpheus Club of Phoenix will present its first concert of the 1939-1940 season tomorrow night in the auditorium of the new Phoenix Junior College. This will be the first public event of its kind staged in the new auditorium, which is considered to have the finest acoustics in Phoenix. The director is David Murdock, who is widely known as a composer, pianist, and conductor." Murdock’s last season concert was in the Spring of 1941 and his last performance as director of the group was on April 15, 1941 at Tolleson High School. During that last performance he directed the group in another of his own compositions "Frisky Frog." In the summer of 1941, Murdock was drafted into military duty. On August 11, 1943, 1st Lieutenant David Nathaniel Murdock, 7th Infantry, 3rd Division, landed with his men on the northern coast of Sicily. Later that day he was leading his squad as they attempted to secure the town of San Agata when he was killed instantly by enemy machine gun fire. He was 29 years old. His body was buried nearby in a military grave where it remained until 1949 when his parents, Arizona Congressman John R. and Myrtle C. Murdock brought his remains to their final rest at Tempe Double Buttes Cemetery. In 1945, the Orpheus Club dedicated their spring concert to David Murdock. Ralph Hess, a member and future director, sang "Unsung" composed by David as a tribute to the former director. And at a ceremony at Murdock’s burial in 1949, a commemorative booklet was distributed which containing the recollections and tributes of literally hundreds of people who knew him. He was loved by the men he led in battle. Many of those men contributed to the commemorative booklet and spoke of how he helped to keep their spirits up by performing for them on various "strange wind instruments" and by staging minor theatrical performances. They spoke of his friendliness and courage, and his inspiring leadership, which was expressed through individual concern for each of them. Among the hundreds of testimonials contained in the commemorative booklet, two stand out from the rest in their description of David’s love of life and the loss that was felt by his friends. One friend of the family captured an apt image of his directing style in saying "He stood on the platform in all of his youthful enthusiasm conducting his chorus of middle-aged business men, then turned graciously to accept the well-earned applause with his winning smile." Finally, in typical form, a future presidential candidate characterized his sense of loss in the following manner: "I liked David immensely. His cheerfulness and his friendliness always stuck out in any crowd. You and I and Arizona have lost a person the likes of which this country needs badly and when I tell you his passing will be felt by all of us nearly as much as by you I mean it." Signed; Capt. Barry Goldwater. THREE STEP IN 1941-1947During the period following the departure of David Murdock and the beginning of the 33 year tenure of Ralph Hess, three directors stepped in to keep the Orpheus Club together and performing during turbulent times. After David Murdock was drafted, a Franciscan Priest took over the directorship. Father de Silva was stationed at the Franciscan Renewal Center known as La Casa de Paz y Bien located on what is now 52nd Street and Lincoln Drive. He was recognized as an accomplished musician and showman and had been known for his interest in music and community activities. His combined talents of musician and healer were desperately needed during these early war years and he did much to boost and maintain morale. He led the group for two years until his expanding ministerial duties required that he step down as director. Elmer Grundy, who directed the group from the fall of 1944 to the fall of 1945, succeeded him. Early in the war, the membership was faced with the grief of losing a promising and much loved young director to the war effort. The number of young men being drafted depleted the roles of the chorus from nearly 100 to less than two dozen. At one point there was talk of discontinuing the concerts until after the war. However, it was decided that the tradition should be preserved. One concert a year, during the spring, was held at Phoenix Junior College auditorium. Coffee and donuts were served afterward and the inspirational music contributed to the morale of the people on the home front. From the spring of 1946 through the Spring of 1947, the Orpheus Club was directed by Lee Miller. In the spring of 1947, Miller appointed Ralph Hess to be his assistant. Miller then asked for a leave of absence to return to Oklahoma to complete his education and Ralph Hess became the director. Later, when Miller returned, the board voted to keep Hess as director - a role which he maintained admirably for 33½ seasons until he retired at the end of the ’78-‘79 season. THE HESS YEARS - 1947 to 1979For the next 33½ seasons, under the directorship of Ralph Hess, the Orpheus Club experienced tremendous growth and development. During this period, new members were required to audition and possess at least a basic knowledge of music, the club officially changed its name to the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix (1960), achieved international attention, and took over the sponsorship of the Phoenix Boy’s Choir; an alliance that lasted from 1953-1972. Also during this time, the chorus expanded its performance schedule to include numerous formal and informal performances each season. The first noticeable change occurred during the first concert. Until that time, the concert brochures contained a list of the songs to be performed and often provided the names of the chorus members. In addition, the audience might expect to see various poetry, and brief references from classic literature. At the first concert directed by Ralph Hess on December 9, 1947, the concert brochure contained, for the first time, nearly two dozen paid advertisements from businesses and organizations in the Phoenix area. It was clear from the onset, that Ralph Hess was a businessman as well as a musician. Ralph Hess was not satisfied performing in Arizona alone. He believed that the quality of the group warranted adventures to other countries. So, beginning with a trip to Hermosillo, Mexico in 1954, the group began a series of tours that included six performances in Europe, as well as appearances in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The group also managed to squeeze in a trip to Hawaii. As a result, then Governor Paul Fannin proclaimed the group "Arizona’s Cowboy Ambassadors" in 1964. ORPHEUS CLUB ADOPTS THE PHOENIX BOYS CHOIR1952 - Jim Masten, an employee of A.L. Moore Mortuary, coordinated the company’s sponsorship of the Phoenix Boy’s Choir from 1947 - 1952. In ’52, Masten moved to Coolidge to buy a cotton hauling business. The mortuary felt it could no longer support the boy’s choir, so the choir disbanded that year. However, the Orpheus Chorus stepped in and offered to take over sponsorship. The mortuary donated the risers, music and uniforms to the care of the Orpheus Chorus. During the ’52-’53 season, fate played a hand in the course of both groups. That year, the cotton crops were rained out and Masten’s new business failed. He moved back to Phoenix and was convinced to take over coordination of the boy’s choir for Orpheus. Starting in 1954, the Phoenix Boy’s Choir appeared each year with the Orpheus Chorus at their annual Spring Concert. In April of 1955, Serge Huff was appointed as the official director of the Phoenix Boys Choir. During the 60’-61’ season, Harvey Smith became director and Hazel Smith the accompanist for the boys. The Phoenix Boys Choir achieved distinction in its own right during the sixties including appearances in Hawaii and San Francisco, as well as with the Phoenix Symphony. The choir released its first album in 1971 and in 1972, the Phoenix Boys Choir Association voted to assume sponsorship of the choir, and the group sang its last concert with Orpheus in March of 1972. That year, the boys traveled to Europe and appeared in Vienna, Austria. ORPHEUS BECOMES INTERNATIONAL1954 - Two buses of Orpheus singers made their way to Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico in February. When they were ten miles from the city, they were met by a police escort, which brought them through city traffic with sirens blaring. The first of three concerts was given to an audience of 1000 invited guests in the museum auditorium of the University of Sonora. The second and third concerts took place the following day on the steps of the university’s library and were repeated for the local radio station later that day. As a result of this tour, the group gained notoriety for their international goodwill. 1956 - Due to the success of the first trip, the group planned a trip to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico for February. Guadalajara was considered to be the musical capitol of Mexico. The chorus drove to Nogales, walked across the border, and then boarded a bus for the airport for their flight to Guadalajara. Their two hour concert at the DeGallado Theater was tape recorded for use at other venues in the area. 1956 - In that same year, the Governor of Sonora invited the group back to Hermosillo. The three-day tour fell on Mexican Flag Day. The trip also followed an unpleasant incident in Denver, Colorado in which a national women’s organization had refused to allow a boy of Mexican decent to carry an American flag. Understandably, this caused a negative reaction among many Mexican officials and citizens. When the group arrived in Hermosillo, they brought small American flags and passed them out to the Mexican children and restored a sense of goodwill once again. However, proving that no good deed goes unpunished, the group was "rewarded" for their kindness when crossing back into the United States. It seems that there were reports of an epidemic of some sort in Mexico. When the U.S. health officer asked them if they had proof of vaccination it appeared that none had thought to bring medical records with them. They were all given complimentary vaccinations as a "welcome home" gift at the border. 1957 - The Orpheus members drove to Nogales and walked across the border to participate in "Cinco de Mayo" festivities. Their scheduled performance in a bullring was poorly attended and so they moved to a bandstand on a city street corner. 1958 - In autumn of 1957, Julius Festner, a member of the chorus, sent a tape from one of the Mexican performances to friends in Germany. As a result, the Orpheus Chorus was invited to participate with nearly 40,000 other singers in the Third Austrian International Song Festival to be held July 17-20. Since the group only had $1000 dollars in their treasury, they asked individuals and corporations in the community for help. Levi Strauss donated $15,000 in wrangler jeans and shirts for the uniforms, Eugene Pullium and Goodyear Tire Company each donated $2500, the spring concert netted $5000 due to the famous guest pianist, Alex Templeton, and a variety of gifts were received as a result of a newspaper ad. And while money was being raised, Ralph Hess prepared the singers by doubling rehearsal times so that the men would be well practiced and memorize their music. In addition, his uncle, Homer Hess, acted as voice coach to work with the men individually. The itinerary of the 73 singers included Shannon, Heidelberg, Augsburg, Salzburg, Vienna, Landeck, Geneva, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The group was given the name "Cowboy Ambassadors" for the first time and was officially recognized for their representation of the United States at the Brussels Universal and International Exhibition of 1958 by the United States Department of State. 1962 - The chorus was invited to participate in the 100th Anniversary of the Saengerbund in Essen, Germany. The trip was much easier to finance than the first European trip due to the sales of their first record album. Two of the songs from this album were on 5,500 jukeboxes in the state of Arizona. This time the group took 6 dancers from St. John’s Indian School to demonstrate the unique culture of the southwest. 1964 - As a result of the goodwill spread by the chorus, Paul Fannin, then governor of Arizona, designated the group "Arizona’s Cowboy Ambassadors" on May 26, 1964 by official proclamation, On June 8th of that year, the chorus performed in Toronto, Canada for the Rotary International Convention where they received a standing ovation from 15,000 people. As part of the tour, the group performed in Quebec City, on the deck and ramps of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock, three concerts in New York at the World’s fair, and, through a connection with Del Webb, sang at the opening of a Yankee’s games in Yankee stadium. In Washington, D.C. Congressman John Murdock and his wife Myrtle, parents of one time Orpheus director David Murdock, personally guided the group through a tour of the Capitol. 1966 - The group sang five concerts in seven days in Hawaii, the most moving of which was the singing of the National Anthem and "Let Their Be Peace On Earth" on the deck of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. The U.S. Navy provided a special motor launch for the group and gave them a private tour of the Pearl Harbor area. The group paid tribute to their Hawaiian experience by presenting all songs of the islands in their Spring 1967 concert in the newly completed Grady Gammage Auditorium. 1968 - The third European tour in ten years took the men to Portugal, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. While many of the cities were simply sightseeing stops for the chorus, the men still often performed spontaneously for the locals and their daily practice sessions were often attended by many people who were within earshot. The chorus performed formally in Madrid, Wuppertal, Copenhagen, and Oslo, to sell-out crowds each time. 1971 - The group was again invited to be part of 5,000 choruses from all around the world in the Fifth International Song Festival in Vienna. The group decided to take advantage of the opportunity and included visits to Shannon, London, Rome, Vienna, and Munich. After the concert in Vienna, the group went to Copenhagen and then home. Attending the Vienna performance were the U.S. Ambassador to Austria, the Chancellor of Austria, and Mayor of Vienna, all of whom gave special acknowledgement to the chorus. Once again, "Arizona’s Cowboy Ambassadors" made their mark. 1972 - The group celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the directorship of Ralph Hess with a gala dinner and tribute at the Del Webb Townhouse. Along with countless accolades, Mr. Hess was dubbed "Mr Music of Arizona." He was also honored as "an esteemed friend, educator, musician, churchman, Rotarian, and Scout Leader." 1976 - The Orpheus Male Chorus was again in Berlin in June to participate in the celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States. This again was an extended tour and gave the chorus members the opportunity to visit with their colleagues from the Wuppertal Schubert-Band group who hosted the Orpheans in their homes for several days. The Chorus sang in an amphitheater in Cologne, a church in Wuppertal, the rooftop of the Hilton Hotel in Berlin, and in Kongreshalle for the formal concert. The group also had the opportunity to informally perform in Haydenshalle and Zurich. Throughout these tour years, the Orpheus Chorus gave numerous impromptu performances in hotel lobbies, airports, and the city streets where they traveled. Often the size and dress of the group drew attention and requests. As a result of the group’s international acclaim, it was the subject of many articles in prominent local and state magazines and newspapers. In addition, they received a number of awards and commendations. The same was true for its director, Ralph Hess. He became widely known for his dedication and musical skills and was awarded countless commendations in his own right. ORPHEUS TURNS FIFTY - RALPH HESS RETIRES1979 - A Golden Anniversary Dinner was held on April 3, 1979 at Del Webb Townhouse. Phoenix Mayor Margaret Hance offered remarks and tribute. The Schubert-Bund Male Chorus made their third trip to Phoenix in order to share in the festivities with their comrades of several joint concerts over the years. Shortly thereafter, Ralph Hess retired after nearly 34 years of service to the Orpheus Chorus. It was almost a year long process to find and appoint a new director. In the interim, Paul Morrow, a longtime assistant director took the reins through the 1979-80 season. During the summer of 1979, the group toured England, Scotland. and Wales where they gave a total of 4 concerts. 1980 - 1991Larry Wittig took the reigns as director for the 1980-81 concert season. Wittig was music instructor at Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix. Under his guidance, the Orpheus Male Chorus began an effort to bring younger members into their ranks. It met with limited success as many of the new members only stayed for one year. However, continued efforts eventually brought younger members who remained with the group. In 1985, the chorus began performing at the Sun Dome in Sun City. They sang there for three seasons, but the venue was huge and the concerts proved to be less than successful financially for the chorus and for the Sun City Rotary Club who sponsored them. In 1986, the chorus had planned another concert tour of Europe. However, due to political unrest in the Middle East, many members felt uneasy traveling abroad and the tour was cancelled. The following year, the chorus did successfully tour Australia and New Zealand. They performed along with the Sydney Male Chorus in the university auditorium. The group also did two joint concerts with the Cairns Choral Society on the northeast coast of Australia. In Christchurch, New Zealand, they again performed a joint concert with the Christchurch Liedertafal. Finally, the Orpheus Chorus of Phoenix performed with the Orpheus Chorus of Wellington, New Zealand in Wellington Cathedral. The final concert of the tour took place in Auckland where the chorus participated in a joint concert with both the Te-Atatu Men’s Choir and the North Shore Male Voice Choir. In 1989, the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix celebrated its 60th Anniversary of continuous performance. An anniversary dinner was held at the Doubletree Greenway Inn. Don Knotts served as master of ceremonies and James Sedares, acting director of the Phoenix Symphony, was the guest speaker, using the opportunity to encourage the support of the arts. Larry Wittig resigned as director in 1991 when the membership was between 85 and 90 members. Ed Hermanson took over the director ship for the 1991 - 1992 season. NEW DIRECTIONS - 1992 to 2004In 1992, John T. Brown was appointed music director. Mr. Brown was a music educator and church musician who had been active in the Phoenix are since 1978. At the time, he was completing the course work for a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at Arizona State University. Current singing members who had observed his choruses over the years solicited Mr. Brown. That same year, the chorus members voted to emphasize artistic quality. Mr. Brown was hired to recruit a younger membership, improve the performance and singing skills of the chorus, and expand the audition criteria for membership to the chorus. In response, he began implementing vocal training, more challenging music and longer, and more intense rehearsals with an emphasis on music reading skills. With John Brown came a drive to achieve musical excellence and a new level of professionalism. The new mission of the chorus was evidenced by a change in appearance and an expansion of the musical repertoire to include classical masterworks, contemporary and current works for male chorus, folksongs, spirituals, Broadway tunes, and works from musical theatre. Orpheus participated in the Missoula International Choral Festival in 1993 and, in that same year, produced first versions of season brochures and began silently moving away from the "Arizona’s Cowboy Ambassadors" image toward a new identity. This was a difficult time for the chorus. While a number of members wanted to keep the traditions of the group which emphasized social gathering as did many community choruses of the time, many Orpheus members wanted to see the group move in a new more artistic direction. As a result of this struggle, the chorus began experienced an exodus of members. In 1994, 25 members chose to leave the chorus and attempted to establish another group continuing the same tradition as before. By 2000, the chorus consisted of 40 members. This also put a financial strain on the group. But the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix continued to move forward in spite of, or perhaps as a result of, these challenges. In 1995, the chorus represented the United States and Arizona on a goodwill tour to Europe to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. That same year, the chorus won its first Arizona and Phoenix Arts grants and released its first compact disc entitled "Sing Out the News." Financial challenges have been met with an endowment started by the members, and the chorus has initiated frequent fundraisers that celebrate the arts and invite the patronage of those dedicated to preserving and enhancing the arts in Phoenix and Arizona. One of the greatest achievements of the leadership of the chorus has been the development and implementation of a Board of Directors. The chorus members voted to adopt new bylaws to allow for the establishment of such a board and established a search committee to recruit members for the board, which met for the first time on July 7, 2001. In April of 2002, the chorus was awarded a three year "Capacity Grant" from the City of Phoenix Arts Commission. Orpheus continues to establish its identity and mission within a competitive and vibrant Phoenix arts community. Today, membership stands at over 50 dedicated members and the rolls continue to grow. Many new members are younger and include students and individuals in the early stages of their careers. As a result, European tours are far less feasible and the current focus is on local concert venues and festivals within the continental United States. THE FUTUREWith the new changes that have been implemented during the last 10 years, and the untiring efforts of the chorus leadership, Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix has experienced an unprecedented increase in musical excellence. Today, Orpheus is performing at the highest levels of excellence in its history. The chorus is recognized for its convincing and meaningful performances on a wide range of styles and music literature. It is certain that the future will bring the best that is yet to be seen and heard! ORPHEUS DIRECTORS & ACCOMPANISTS1929-30 >> L. Douglas Russell / Mrs. Al Moriarty DISCOGRAPHY (pre-1995 incomplete)1962 >> First Record Album |
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